So many times we go through this life as busy as we can possibly be. When we get like this, we miss out on one of the most beautiful voices . . . God. God is talking to each one of us in a way that we can understand. This is my way to share what God is saying to me. I'd love to hear how He is talking to you.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

I am an avid reader, for those of you that didn't know. I try to only read one book at a time. However, this Christmas Break I am finishing 4 books. One book is about running, another is the 5th book in a series that my students wanted me to read (it has 13 books in all), one is a fiction book call Midnight Sun, and the other is The Ragamuffin Gospel. They are 4 VERY different styles, but I like them all.

The following is a post I did on the women's ministry blog that I also write on, GLOW (found off to the side under "links"). I don't know how many of you read this, that, or both. I wanted to share it. I would love to hear your feedback...

I just finished reading The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning, an eye-opener of a book. The gist of the book is living in the grace of God because we are objects of God's unfailing love. Not a light subject, but a rather simple one. The final chapter, "A Touch of Folly" might be the one that hit me the hardest.

I am still processing all the questions that Manning poses. They are questions that we, as Christ-followers, cannot ignore. Questions that we need to consider. Questions that we need to come face-to-face with. I want to share them with you. Do with them what you wish. My prayer is that you would take time to think, write, pray, seek answers to each question.

We live in a world that is pining for us. We live in a world that wants to pull us away from God. We live in a world where the focus is solely on "me" and what "I" can get. We live in a world where there is a battle for souls. The time is now to think about and respond to God and the call He has put on each of us...."Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Do you live each day in the blessed assurance that you have been saved by the unique grace of our Lord Jesus Christ?

After falling flat on your face, are you still firmly convinced that the fundamental structure of reality is not works but grace?

Are you moody and melancholy because you are still striving for the perfection that comes from your own efforts and not from faith in Jesus Christ?

Are you shocked and horrified when you fail?

Are you really aware that you don't have to change, grow, or be good to be loved?

Are you as certain of the triumph of good over evil as the fermentation of dough by yeast?

Though on a given day you may be more depressed than anything else, is the general orientation of you life toward peace and joy?

Are you diminished by other people's perception of you or your own definition of yourself?

Do you possess that touch of folly to transcend doubt, fear, and self-hatred and accept that you are accepted?

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts. More than that, I would love to know that these questions stirred you up. I would love to know that they made you dig deep into God's word, that you sought HIM out in a new way, that you found peace in the unfailing love of Abba.

Friday, December 25, 2009

This is my first Christmas in MY house! It is pretty cool too. I have been sleeping on the couch with the tree lights on. I woke up at 7 this morning and watched A Christmas Story, made some coffee, and here I sit blogging. I plan on spending some time with Jesus this morning as well.

I wonder, if this will become my "Christmas tradition"? I'm sure as I get married and have children things will change. I often wonder what my traditions will be. Right now I go to my parents' on Christmas Eve to celebrate with my family. I attend Christmas Eve service at church. My whole family meets at my cousin's house Christmas morning for brunch. Then we usually just hang out for the day.

So this, my first Christmas in my house, I want to start some traditions. I want my morning to be reflective upon the birth of Jesus. I want to really get my heart set on what this day is truly about.

Matthew 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

My first Christmas.....may it be filled with worship and awe for Christ: who was born a baby, walked the earth as a man, was crucified for my sins, and raised to eternal life.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

I'm sitting in my house. I traveled to 4 colleges this weekend to visit some students. I have an amazing family. I have a job that I LOVE going to each and every day. I have friends that make my heart happy. I am loved and never doubt that.

I am serving a God who thinks I am beautiful and challenges me more and more every day that I live. He has been blessing me with encouraging words and love that I can't comprehend. He is always ready to take this relationship to the next level.

I am just getting another glimpse into the blessings that I have in my life.